In a spirited rebuttal of Infosys co-founder NR Narayan Murthy’s stance on work-life balance, Wipro Executive Chairman Rishad Premji on Tuesday emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and emphasized the value of the work-life model. His comments come amid a growing debate on the topic, sparked by Murthy’s recent comments urging her to focus on work over personal life.
Narayan Murthy, an advocate of longer working hours, advocated a 70-hour work week. He expressed dismay at the shift from a six-day to a five-day workweek, a change that took place in 1986. Murthy, who often downplayed the importance of work-life balance, believed that employees should devote themselves to their jobs. Find a good personal life outside of work.
However, Rishad Premji took a different stance. In a recent talk at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024 on November 19, Premji emphasized that work-life balance is not only “extremely important” but also a personal responsibility. About office hours It can also include how much time you spend on personal activities, such as limiting social media,” he explained, a modern interpretation of balance that includes time for self-care. and personal interests.
Premji shared his belief that employees should define their own boundaries when it comes to balancing work and life. Premji pointed out from his own experience that it is the responsibility of the individual, not the institution, to maintain balance. “Work-life balance is something you have to define for yourself; organizations can’t do it for you. You have to individually decide what that means to you and set your own limits,” he added.
The topic became a hot-button issue following Murthy’s criticism, drawing a lot of criticism. Proponents of work-life balance argue that in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, employees need time away from work to recharge, spend time with family, and focus on personal development. This was particularly relevant in the tech industry, where long hours have traditionally been seen as a badge of honor but are now increasingly being questioned by employees seeking a more fulfilling, balanced lifestyle.
Premji’s comments highlighted a significant shift in attitudes towards work, as hybrid and flexible work models gain traction, offering employees more control over their schedules. This model, which was more widely adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, allows individuals to work part-time from home while maintaining an office presence, with a mix of flexibility and structure.
Conversely, his criticism of Murthy’s working hours and the five-day workweek has sparked a broader conversation about the future of corporate life. Many believe that while dedication and hard work are necessary, the importance of mental well-being and personal time cannot be overlooked.